As we have seen thus far in our study of this particular portion of scripture, the apostle Paul has given Timothy four of the most distinct and defining characteristics of false teachers. First of all, they come advocating a different doctrine. Secondly, they disagree with the sound words of Jesus and with any and all doctrine conforming to godliness. Thirdly, they are conceited and understand nothing. Finally, the apostle Paul says that they have a 'morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.' In this study, Pastor Tim continues to emphasize just how different true teachers are from their counterfeit counterparts and emphasizes the need for every believer to be taught by those who are truly interested, not exclusively in explosive church growth and career progression, but in seeing their flocks grow more and more into the image of Christ our Lord through the faithful exposition of truth from God's word. |